Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting the early recovery of agricultural livelihoods and enhancing food and nutritional security for vulnerable rural families in Norte de Santander, Colombia. The project targets 130 households in Mariquita, El Pino, and Filo del Cordón, focusing on agricultural training, in-kind food assistance, marketing surplus production, and promoting social cohesion, gender equality, and community participation.
Overview of the Project
The WFP initiative in Norte de Santander aims to strengthen rural livelihoods while improving food and nutritional security. It combines agricultural support with social and institutional approaches, creating sustainable pathways for vulnerable communities to recover from economic and food insecurity challenges.
Key goals include:
-
Early recovery of agricultural livelihoods
-
Improved access to food and nutrition
-
Empowered community participation and social cohesion
-
Strengthened capacities for marketing agricultural surpluses
The project integrates Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), environmental stewardship, and gender-sensitive programming across all interventions.
Target Communities and Beneficiaries
The project targets 130 rural families in:
-
Mariquita
-
El Pino
-
Filo del Cordón
These families will benefit from interventions that combine technical assistance, access to inputs, and guidance on sustainable agriculture and nutrition-sensitive practices.
Focus Areas
1. Agricultural Capacity Building
-
Provision of agricultural kits and inputs
-
Training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
-
Promotion of environmentally sustainable production methods
2. Food and Nutritional Security
-
Three months of in-kind food assistance per household
-
Support for nutrition-sensitive programming and education
3. Community and Social Development
-
Gender-sensitive approaches to ensure equitable participation
-
Community engagement and decision-making in project implementation
-
Social cohesion activities to strengthen community bonds and inclusion
4. Marketing and Economic Empowerment
-
Support for strategies to market or exchange surplus agricultural production
-
Collaboration with local institutions for storage, workshops, and community markets
5. Institutional Coordination
-
Engagement with municipal authorities, Mayor’s Office, and local organizations
-
Establishment of technical selection and oversight committees to ensure transparency and fairness
How the Project Works
-
Project Socialization: Initial meetings with local stakeholders, community leaders, and municipal authorities.
-
Beneficiary Selection: Technical committees identify eligible families based on project criteria.
-
Training and Kit Distribution: Households receive agricultural kits and training sessions.
-
Food Assistance: Three months of in-kind food support to stabilize nutrition.
-
Marketing Support: Guidance and partnership with institutions to sell or exchange surplus products.
-
Monitoring and Evaluation: Oversight committees track project progress and ensure accountability.
Who is Eligible?
-
Rural families residing in Mariquita, El Pino, or Filo del Cordón
-
Households facing food insecurity or recovering from agricultural disruption
-
Participants committed to actively engaging in training and community activities
Key Principles
-
Gender Equality: Promote women’s participation and leadership in agricultural and community activities
-
Social Cohesion: Strengthen trust, inclusion, and collaboration within communities
-
Environmental Stewardship: Encourage sustainable agricultural practices
-
Nutrition Sensitivity: Integrate dietary diversity and nutritional education into agricultural support
Common Tips for Participation
-
Engage actively in community workshops and technical sessions
-
Follow GAP guidelines for sustainable farming
-
Collaborate with local institutions for market access
-
Maintain accurate records of agricultural outputs for evaluation purposes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many families are targeted by the project?
130 rural families in Mariquita, El Pino, and Filo del Cordón.
2. What type of support will beneficiaries receive?
Agricultural training, agricultural kits, three months of in-kind food assistance, and marketing support for surplus production.
3. How does the project promote social cohesion?
By engaging community members in participatory decision-making, gender-sensitive activities, and collective initiatives that strengthen bonds and inclusion.
4. Are women specifically supported in this project?
Yes, the project promotes gender equality, women’s empowerment, and equitable participation in all activities.
5. What role do local authorities play?
Municipal authorities and the Mayor’s Office coordinate with WFP, provide spaces for workshops and markets, and support project oversight.
6. How are beneficiaries selected?
Technical selection committees identify families based on project criteria, needs, and community consultation.
7. How is the project monitored?
Oversight committees track implementation, ensure transparency, and coordinate with local stakeholders to evaluate outcomes.
Conclusion
The WFP project in Norte de Santander strengthens agricultural livelihoods while improving food and nutritional security for vulnerable rural families. By combining training, food assistance, marketing support, and inclusive community engagement, the initiative promotes sustainable recovery, social cohesion, and economic empowerment for participating households.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.